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Porter Leath Opens New Early Childhood Academy in Memphis

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. pens-new-early-childhood-academy-in-memphis.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 0:16 GMT by FOX13 Memphis
      Locales: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - February 10th, 2026 - Porter Leath, a long-standing pillar of support for Memphis families, is poised to significantly expand its impact with the grand opening of its new Early Childhood Academy. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the academy's location: 1157 N. Third Street. This event promises a first look at the state-of-the-art facility and an opportunity for parents and community members to learn about the vital role early childhood education plays in shaping young lives.

For decades, Porter Leath has been synonymous with providing crucial services to vulnerable children and families in Memphis. From foster care and adoption services to residential treatment programs, the organization has consistently stepped up to address the complex needs of the community. This new academy marks a strategic expansion of their commitment, focusing on preventative care and laying the groundwork for future success through high-quality early learning experiences.

The academy represents a substantial investment - both financially and philosophically - in the future of Memphis. Studies consistently demonstrate that access to high-quality early childhood education yields significant long-term benefits. Children who participate in these programs are more likely to enter kindergarten prepared to learn, achieve higher academic outcomes, graduate high school, and pursue higher education. Moreover, these benefits extend beyond the individual, positively impacting families and the broader community through increased economic productivity and reduced reliance on social services.

"We're so excited to welcome the community to our new Early Childhood Academy," stated a Porter Leath representative. "This academy represents a significant investment in the future of Memphis children and their families. We believe that providing a strong foundation in the early years is critical for lifelong success."

Beyond Playtime: The Curriculum and Approach

While the open house will offer a glimpse of the facility itself - featuring thoughtfully designed classrooms, safe and engaging play areas, and dedicated learning spaces - it will also showcase the curriculum and educational philosophy underpinning the academy's approach. Porter Leath is committed to a play-based learning model, recognizing that children learn best through exploration, experimentation, and social interaction.

The curriculum will be designed to foster cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development. Trained and experienced early childhood educators will guide children through age-appropriate activities, encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning. Emphasis will also be placed on social-emotional learning, helping children develop self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage their emotions - skills crucial for navigating the challenges of life.

Addressing a Critical Need in Memphis

The opening of the Porter Leath Early Childhood Academy comes at a critical time. Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education remains a significant challenge for many families in Memphis, particularly those in underserved communities. Limited availability and high costs often create barriers, leaving children without the early learning opportunities they deserve.

Porter Leath hopes to bridge this gap by offering a program that is both accessible and enriching. They are actively working to establish scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programs to ensure that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds can benefit from the academy's services. The organization is also partnering with local community organizations and social service agencies to identify and prioritize children who would most benefit from enrollment.

Open House Details The open house on February 17th is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Tour the Academy: Explore the state-of-the-art facility and its engaging learning environments.
• Meet the Staff: Connect with the dedicated educators who will be nurturing and guiding the children.
• Learn about Enrollment: Gather information about the enrollment process, tuition, and financial assistance options.
• Discover the Curriculum: Understand the play-based learning approach and the educational philosophy that drives the academy.

Porter Leath invites all members of the Memphis community to join them in celebrating this exciting milestone and investing in the future of our city's youngest citizens. The academy is located at 1157 N. Third Street, Memphis, TN. For more information, visit the Porter Leath website at [ https://www.porterleath.org/ ] (this is a placeholder URL).